History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 58

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts
Number of Pages: 976

USA > New York > Monroe County > History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences > Part 58

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Mrs. Sibley also manifests much interest in all matters of charity and benevolener. and has given largely to the City hospital and various charitable institution. throughout the country, amounting in all to fifty thousand dollars. She has ever cherished with tender recollection the place of her nativity, and a few years since erected in her native village, North Adams, Massachusetts, St. John's Episcopal church, at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars. This fine church cditice stands upon the spot where both Mr. aml Mrs. S. were born.

Mr. Sibley has reached the scriptural age of threescore years and ten. but will possesses his youthful vigor of mind and body, and manages his immense business with all the executive ability that has characterized his long and active career.

" They attempted to do what would have been the grandesi achievement of modern science if the cable bad proved napracticable.

147

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

ONGAGNE

HON. THOMAS PARSONS.

Hestures of public Import require careful consideration, lotelligent fidelity and administrative efficiency, qastittes which, anited with pleasant aldirees, courteous manner, and good wound commno sense, were prominent characteristics In the life of Thomas Parsons A native nf Chievely, Berksbite, England, where he was born January 7, 1814, he acquired a knowledge of fundamental branches in the common school, and wbeo a youth of fourteen began to race his livelihood by engaging as a shepherd. Four years passed in this employment, which, although ancient and honorable, sopplies nothing to the inspiration of imultion, and In 1812 he ambarhed In America, in advance of his parents and found b.s way out to the Genesce conntry. He tought employment and found it upon a farmi in the town of Wheatland, Monroe County, where be re- malned four years and hbored faithfully for his meagre salary of seven dollars a month, In 1- 1 he came to Buchrater, and by sesionity in various efforts acquired some means, with which be began his career as a inmber manufacturer. Intelligent, olservant, and efficient, bis Unsine's became extensivo, and his dealings In cair and other heavy timber for ship-building placed him in the front rank as a lumber merrbant, and directed attention towards him as a man of stufe than ordinary capalaisty Ift operattous were exteniled to Tunawsoda and to various parts of Canada. At a later per: id bs not only hal a mill near the upper falle, In Rochester, but had purchased extensiva tracts of timber lend in Canada, and, with two mills manning. became known as one of the heaviest lumber dealers in the Dominion, where he abipped to all parts of the conotry. Ship-timber was exported in large amount to London, and his lumber found ready market in New Tork and other States.

In business operations Mr Parsons becams widely and favorably known. An nowonted energy of char- seter und undaunted persistency were manifested in his bearing umid occasional misfortune, and bis fearless entry upon business operations of great magnitude,

Interested in public affairs and active in politics, Mr. Partons was an siderman during uit years, from 1851 to 1817, beiog elected to chat office by the Democratie party, with which he was politically identified. A member of the commoo couseil, ba was known as s man of influence, a worker, and one faithful to every trust.

In 1858 he was a member of assemuhly, and became distinguiebed as an efficient representativa in that budy. "He was the author sod onginator of the Pro Rata Rulnad Freight Bill, which caused much ex. ritement among railrond men. Had this lull become a law, it would have compelled the mods to carry freight for the people of the State as cheap, in proportion to distance, as were the rates for the same char. arter of freight carried for the citizens of other States" Zealous in arging the measure, it was ordered engrowel for s third reading, but failed to pass for wint of time. Sgecessiva legislatures continued to agitate the subject until the railroadhs meas-rally ceused their nnjust discrimination.

In the year 1800, Mr. Parsons, ceasing to art with the Drinnerabie party, sustained the nomination and MIministration of Abraham Lincoln, Ilty election tu the tenata, in 1464, by the Republicans, was the result of an eariting canvass, wherein his opponent wu defeated by a majority of six hundred, He was placed spin the ranal committee, an.I upon the committees on engrated bulls and of privilegre and elections The commercial concerns of the State received lus especial care, and the canals found him a stanch supporter Neinging In legislation the prudence, deliberation, and Fifrucht which hat inenred hin sucerse in business. he suffered no interest of his constituents to be neglected, no mesure of public utility to fack advocacy. Not pretentious as a speaker, be occupied little time in debate and win attention by earnest and direct ex- PremIon

The office of United States collector for the port of Gehesce was tenderrd Mr. Parsons without bis solicits- Uns. and be filed the position during 1868-19 with his genal filehty and intelligente.

His childhood of indigence, his es. ly minhood of wear some tost, serem on the crucitiles wherein sterling qualitire wers reined ami tested as preparatory for publin service and higher nblization. In all business relations he was bonorable and upright, ever the same in private, business, ur omictel Hte, Suciufile, benevo- lent, and preseweed nf ennobling Christian virtues, he won friendde adtung all classes, and by sound judgment and prompt decision gave weight to his opinions and strength to his purposes. In appearance ha wila of matinm height, his featurma wero regular, his Lus thin, his furebead brund and hikl.

IT was married to s daughter of Ri hard tureline, and at his death which took place February In, 1973. be left a wife and Are chilleen to mourn an iereparatie lose A 4.n, Jime. W P'arvone, a lumber deler, and for a number of years a member of the common council of Buffalu. fr as its twelfth ward, shed at Erie. ... Janmary 5, IN73. Surviving children are Corn-jsus R. Chford W . Frank G., Julis L. and Chark , B. Fareun", Ao an earnest offis ini and capable man of business. Thoma Pursing dil ouich for R chester. Althongh at his deerve he hwl reached the age of Litt afty-nine years, bis loes was deeply felt, as bis In Buenre bad become etteusive.

CORNELIUS R. PARSONS.

(PRESENT MAYOR )

Rochester is s city of rapid and substantial growth. Her sons have imbiber her progresuve spirit, and prova themselves reliable. Cornelins K. Parsons, young in years, old In experience, and niready concen- trating great responsibilities during a brief period of life, has attested his capacity in the council chamber, his ability as a presiding officer, and, in sympathy with the peuple, has been called to the mayoralty,-Roch- estet's youngest and most popular chief magistrale, a nian of conceded ability and good sense. Mr. Parsons was born in Yurk, Livingston county, on May 22, 1842, cama to Rochester in 1-41, was educated in our public schools, under the instructions of Jolin R. Vosburgh, an able and most excellent teacher. I!is boy- hood gare indication of the man : frank, generuns, and una-sunung, his old home in the Fourteenth was a Tery citadel of strength; sol the workingnian recognizes in bios a never-varring, unchanging friend. With business tact and rara executive ability, he engiged in tumbering, and, while b's father was activ- in the extension of business In the Dominion, be conducted the mwilling interest at Rochester. Circumstancre 10 life wers favorable, and they were percrivel and improved. Whether as a Jumper merchant or presiding over a council, the maine promptness was uniformly evinced, mod an aptitude for public service was freely recognized by bis associatre and numerona friend".

In the spring of 1867 he was elected member of the common council, and was twice regularly chosen to the same position, in the springs of 1868 And 1870. The last year of his second term he was chosen presulent of the board, with the general concarcenes of lils colleagues of both parties in bis fitness for the place. Always abowing s deep interest in public affairs, he doroted his time to public iluty withont emmiument. and while his eforts were marked by energy and persistence, his nontives and influences have never been called in question. In all party strife bis c'ear reconil sod unblemished character have preceded hini as a enbtle and powerful force. With Inherent nutive power, he has ever represented popular interest and per- sonifled self-government. It was sail of him by one who knew him well in the cougril, that as a presding officer be was almost without a rival. His decisions wers not delayed, and once made were firmly main- tained ; and In bis statement of questions to the house he was clear and explicit. His ability was unquestionet. and bis rulings wera almost universally sust .Ined. His retirement from the position of president of the council, by reason of expiration of term, was marked by kindly expression from bis associates, andl a valu- able and valued gift wis bestowed as a remembrancer of more than onlinary attachment, Removing to the arventb ward, Mir Parsons was again, in the spring of 1874, elected alderman from that furt of the city. Seven years' experience in municipeil affairs, at a period when public improvements of great magnitude were in progress, and for a time having these progressive measures In charge, give Mr. Parsons a thorough knowl- odgo of city guvernment, and suggestel his nuintnation by the Republicans for the office of mayor

The campaign was active and virulent, and tuo ranelidntes were subjected to a storm of bitter detraction. which serred but to rally the masses to his support, and prove the value of a guil recubi in a political enmi- paign. The election resulted in a majority for Mr. l'ansons of two thousand three hundred and thirtyune against Colonel Brackett, a man of gerat influence, with, and cuparity This popularity, remarkable in extent, was an invaluable testimuny of piet cillciency anil prevent cunfidlence.

At the niceting of the council early in April, 1476, Miror Fareins Isstted a message excellent In its char- seter and suggestions and creditable to ite author. It is regarded as a sensible and practical document whoun suggestions are being fully tralizel. The power of appointment of members of the executive board wn vested 10 the mayor, and his desigcation of persons from both parties indicates a thorough knowledge of men quaisfied to serve.

Vigilant In the exercise of official duty, he is a man of the people, and with bearty cordiality grrete hiv visitor, and with promptness rendere an opinion or makes a decision. Eniinently social, he has a multitude of friends: believing in the ancient and from-ralle associations of it-Fellowship and Masonry, he is n member in each unler; andl rightly reganting happio. se in life as identified with religious obligations ful- Alle-l, be is a member of the f'hurch of st l'eter.

On the 6th of October, 14:4, Mr. Parmine was miwerlel to Miss Franere Whitbeck, daughter of Dr J. F. Whitbeck, a physician of enunence and long experience in the city

Young, enpille, and nopiring, a Judgment of the future by the past promises much to his honor in official adininistration His progress hu born cemarkohle, as his honors hare Leen early won. His responsibilities And intelligent fulfillment in meuvarre of poble utility, advised ou aven necessary and advantageous, vbl dierated of speculation and estrar ignare.

As Jonathan Child, the first mayor of Rochester, remembered that friends and Colton citizens conforme confidence and ju.wer for the ade pairpude ot advancing tha cammen gurl, so Porn-line R. l'arsone, the mayor of tu-lay, has the same remcushram e and a likn Jreign.

148

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

AMON BRONSON.

A truthful representation of a worthy life is a legacy to humanity. As such we present an outline of the business and official character of Amon Bronson, -s resident of Rochester for forty-four years, identitied with all its interests, and a prominent, successful business man. Ile was born in the town of Scipio, in Onondaga, now Cayuga county, on the 23d of March, 1807. Little indebted to schools for education, his application to study was none the less efficient and advantageous. His authors were few and well chosen; their teachings were understood, assimilated. and utilized. In his library history and science predomi- nate, and fiction has no place.

Thrown upon his own resources at an early age, he removed to Avon, Living- ston county, where he acquired and practiced the trade of a carpenter, whereby he learned of an open feld in the lumber trade, in which he engaged with ardor as bis pursuit for life. In the year 1832 he came to Rochester, purchased the lumber yard on Exchange street, and gave his mind, with untiring energy and nowearied paticoce, to carve for himself a pathway to unexceptional, yet on- doubted success. The first to establish the lumber business in the city of Rochester, he sustained for a period of forty-four years a leading position among those engaged in the same branch of trade, and was frequently approached for advice, assistance, and counsel, which uniformly reflected credit ny a himself and his associates.

His life was characterized by untiring energy, strict integrity, and honorable dealing. Enterprising, thorongb, and reliable, his trade became extensive and lucrative. Exact. and yet generous, his many employees saw in him a man of strong mental power, superior, genial, and considerate, regardful of all in in- terest, and actuated by innate sympathy for the unfortunate and esteem for the high-minded.

In all dealing he was never known to oppress a debtor. To those without means or credit be supplied both, with a knowledge of men rarely found docep- tive. Himself just, upright, and bonorable, he influenced others to like action, -emulative of his virtues, dreading his reproachful look. His honesty shone con- spicuous, unshadowed by the slightest cloud of distrust. His fidelity to right was equaled only by his ability to perceive it. None questioned his word, whether given during the routine of business transaction or expressed in the ordinary relations of society : it was as good as his bond.

Long and assiduously devoted to one pursuit, skill, caution, and method com- bined to safety, harmonious action, and eminent success. Familiarized with the minutest detail of his concerns, punctual to the moment in meeting an agreement, lenieot to the unfortunate, he was necorded genuine respect; the entire com- munity gave him their confidence, and his assured progress was observed without envy. He labored from a love of activity, and not alone for acquisition of wealth. He bad in view no ultimate elegant leisure. With nnselfish motive he plied his vocation. and gave of well-won means to the benefit of the public and the needy. A mind less active would have sought recreation, ease, and rest where be centered all thought aud time on business. Confident of self, impatient of dictation or obligation, he sought no partnership, but con ucted his affairs with a certainty and regularity not the less assured from the absence of noise and bostle.

Amon Bronson was more than a business man. All enterprises having for their object the advancement of the people, the city, and the welfare of the country obtained his hearty commendation and support. lfe was to au eminent degree a public-spirited and benevolent man. His benefactions are main'y known to their recipients. Of a disposition which shrank from notoriety, he was unostentations in the alleviation of distress, and generous in his gifts. Many are the poor who. but for his substantial aid, would have lacked their now comfortable homes. It has been said of him, " The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon him. for be caused the widow's heart to sing for joy ; he delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him." Kind an's sympathetic, his heart responded to appeals for charitable and benevolent objects, and the philan- thrupic institutions of the city found in him a sincere and liberal friend. lle was deeply interested in the City Hospital. to which he contributed largely, and in the Industrial School and other laudable institutions.

In person, Mr. Bron-on was above the ordinary height. His deep, dark eyes twinkled with merriment. anticipating and enjoying a witticism, or spoke a vol- ume of reproof to mis-statement or maladministration. flis dress was neat and

plain. His habits were temperate and abstemious. Socially, he was reticent, yet genial and courteous, winning and retaining the regard of those with whom he came in contact. Ilis gait was an index of the man,-dever hurried, but uni- form. To and from office and house he traveled day after day for years, with a regularity marked and proverbial.

A believer in the elevating tendency of religious influences. be aided in the . upbuilding of the churches which adorn the city. For many years he was an at- teudant at St. Luke's church, and was during his entire life one of the mio-t thoroughly practical Christians to be found in any community.

Capable and efficient in the management of his own affairs, he was called to . engage in various offices of trust. For years he was a trustee of the Mourne County Savings Bank, and was for a time a director in the City Bank. In the former institution he had been a prominent member from its first organization, and the board of trustees, at a meeting held July 29, 1876, entered upon their record the following : " We hereby record our appreciation of his unquestioned integrity of character, and of the benevolence and generosity of his disposition, so constantly manifested, not only in his relations to this board, but in all his social and public relations in this community where he has lived so long."

Political advancement Mr. Bronson never sought, and many solicitations to sccept public preferment were courteously yet firmly declined. He was an alder- man for one term, and was elected supervisor from the third ward from 1859 continuously to 1867. At elections he received the cordial support of both political parties, and their unanimons action was a high personal tribute to his worth.

In the board of supervisors he served as chairman on most of the important committees, and performed the duties of the position ably and acceptably. To older citizcos his signal services during his term of office are well known. In unearthiing fraud his sagacity and business ability were of great service. By a searching investigation into the accounts of a defaulting treasurer, deficits were discovered and losses exposed.

During the civil war he was on the committee of bounties, and frequently ad- vanced large sums from his own purse for the use of the county. He was known as a war Democrat, and, without stint, threw his influence in behalf of a govern- ment imperilled by rebellion. A consistent Democrat, he was never a bitter par- tisan, and when, in 1865, an unsought nomination for senator had been accepted through the urgent request of many prominent citizens, it was a proof of popu- larity, and confidence of capacity and worth, that he ran largely ahead of his ticket in a senatorial district hopelessly Republican.

He was married in 1840 to Miss Ann Emerson, daughter of Thomas Emer- son, and in 1848 built the residence on Plymouth avenue, where he re-ided till the close of life. In domestic relationa the testimony is uniform and emphatic as regards consideration, kindness, and indulgence. When in the full enjoyment of physical and intellectual vigor he was stricken with paralysis, on November 13, 1869, and incapacitated for other than a general supervision of business affairs. A second shock in July, 1876, was final, and under its influence he gradually passed away, retaining his mind to the last. His funeral was attended by many friends, who followed his remains to Mount Hope Cemetery. The Rochester board of lumber dealers closed their places of business and attended the funeral in a body, and the employees of the firm of A. Bronson & Son formed part of the funeral train. In 1873, Amon Bronson, Jr., had been admitted as a partner. and succeeded to the business. Hc is an only sun.

Resolutions of respect were passed hy the Rochester board of lumber dealers. hy the employees of the firm, by the board of trustees of the Monroe County Savings Bank. and by the board of supervisors at their regular meeting on October 11, 1876. The following resolution, introduced by Supervisor l'ond. Was put to motion and adopted unanimously, by a rising vote : " Desiring to meny- nize in a suitable and appropriate mauner the great loss which the county of Munroe has sustained in the death of Amon Bronson, who died July 23. 1876. we hereby record our high rrunrd and reverence of his character and ability as a citizen and public officer. Ifis honesty of purpose, his strength of mind, his breadth of thought. together with his noble, generous heart, will ever be a bright, conspicuous example to this community and in this board, where he so long lived and labored, giving so liberally nf his time and best effort for the good aul interest of his fellow-citizens."

PLATE XXVII

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

149

DR. DOUGLAS BLY

was born in West Henrietta, Monroe County, in the year 1824. In early age in ".hool he made rapid progress, and gave indications of much promise. Upoo reaching the age of discretion he determined to study medicine, and to this end attended the medical college at Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1851.

To perfect himself in his profession he made a voyage to Europe. On reach- ing the continent he went immediately to Paris, and registered himself as a student in the College of Physicians and Surgeons. After studying here some time he re- wivel his degree, made a tour of Europe, visiting many of the places of note in the .. 1.1 world, and returned to this city io 1854. Hebegan the practice of medicine, and Wil> Very successful as a physician. It may also be mentioned in this connection that soon after his return from Europe Dr. Bly delivered a course of lectures on anatomy, in this city, to a few whom he favored with tickets. Io the capacity of a lerturer be displayed a knowledge of his subject not unworthy of one making more pretensions.

Hle at once assumed a prominent position in the medical fraternity of Rochester, anl while practicing here discovered an antidote for strychnia-poisoning, which =we him a national reputation. At the twelfth annual meeting of the American V. . Mical Association, held in the city of Louisville, May 3, 1839, he was present a4 a member, representing the Monroe County Medical Society, and in the pro- "-lings of the association we find the following passage: "The paper of Dr. Bly .n arridental poisoning by strychnine was read by the author, and as individual "we are not reported in the transactions of the association, thanks were returned ! . the communication, with a request that it be published in the medical journals." Il- invented and patented an artificial limb which is justly celebrated, and known "'I wer the country. Leaving the practice of medicine, he turned his attention to rhr Dinufacture and introduction of artificial limbs. He began their manufacture in this city, and soon after in New York. The merit of his patent being recog. 1.2.4l by all, he made a contract with the government during the late rebellion to

supply all soldiers whom misfortune compelled to use artificial limbs. The demand in the west became so great that Dr. Bly found it necessary to establish manufae- tories in St. Louis, Cincinnati, and other prominent cities. After the close of the war he closed contracts with many of the southern States to supply disabled soldiers, and in consequence he carried on business in Memphis, New Orleans. Charleston, and in other prominent cities in the south. These facts alone attest the great worth and popularity of Dr. Bly's invention, not to speak of the thou- sands who have testified and are ready to testify in regard to the value of his patent limbs. Besides the manufacture of these artificial limbs, in which he was exten- sively and successfully engaged at the time of his death, Dr. Bly was engaged in the oil business in Pennsylvania. This business consisted in buying large oil ter- ritory and sinking wells. In this he was also very successful. He also did a large real estate business with Chauncey Perry, whose daughter he married as his first wife in 1870. On the'consummation of this event, Dr. Bly and his bride made a tour of the southern States, and two years later they visited England, Scot- land, Ireland, Germany, France, and Italy, returning in November, 1872. But four months after her return to this city Mrs. Bly was taken ill, and died eight days later. This was a heavy loss to the doctor, and he felt it severely. In Oe- tober, 1874, he was again married. He chose as his wife the daughter of F. IL. Amidoo, of New York, with whom he lived most happily, and who survives him to mourn the loss of a most affectionate and indulgent husband.

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History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences, Part 58

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub Publication date: 1877 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts Number of Pages: 976

Author: McIntosh, W. H. cn; Everts, Ensign, and Everts, Philadelphia, pub
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Ensign and Everts
Number of Pages: 976